Any Chance 4 Eternity?
I love the Bible. But it does condemn me pretty much on every single page. What to do then? Do I have any chance 4 eternity?
Do you remember the story of the rich man who asked what he needs to do to get eternal life? Jesus lovingly told him to sell everything, give it to the poor and follow him.
The man’s face clouded over. This was the last thing he expected to hear, and he walked off with a heavy heart. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and not about to let go. (Mark 10: 22, MSG, emphasis mine)
The things that keep us from surrendering to God differs from person to person. They might be very good things in general but they are things (or people) that keep us from following Jesus without reservation. We are called to let them go. But as we know that’s easier said than done.
Looking at his disciples, Jesus said, “Do you have any idea how difficult it is for people who ‘have it all’ to enter God’s kingdom?” The disciples couldn’t believe what they were hearing, but Jesus kept on: “You can’t imagine how difficult. I’d say it’s easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for the rich to get into God’s kingdom.”
That set the disciples back on their heels. “Then who has any chance at all?” they asked. (Mark 10: 23-26, MSG, emphasis mine)
We really don’t have any chance at all.
There is no one without blame.
There is no one who can earn salvation.
There is no one who can give away enough to merit eternal life.
There is no chance to get into God’s kingdom on our own.
The Bible does condemn all of us. But, thank God, that’s not all. The Bible also shows us the endless love of God. What is impossible for us is God’s free gift to us.
Jesus was blunt: “No chance at all if you think you can pull it off by yourself. Every chance in the world if you let God do it.”(Mark 10:27, MSG, emphasis mine)
Salvation is impossible for all men and women for it comes from God alone.
Salvation is possible if we let God do it.
Salvation is reality if we receive God’s gift of grace through faith in Christ.
Gracious God,
How wonderful is your plan of salvation!
Thank you for your endless love!
Thank you for doing for us
what we can’t do ourselves.
Bring us home to you.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Q4U: What does God call you to let go?
Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim! God is with you! Jesus will lead us home!
Photo courtesy of Elysamac/Photobucket
2 thoughts on “Any Chance 4 Eternity?”
I’m so thankful for grace as I read your words, Mari-Anna. On our own, what can we accomplish that amounts to anything? Nothing. But with God, he makes salvation possible.
And isn’t it incredibly freeing to realize that because of grace we are accepted just as we are? And that God is lovingly taking the lead in our lives? Yey! Thank you, Lisa, for sharing your reflection with us. Blessings to you as you celebrate life with God!